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Van der Valk Begins Construction on 30m Project BERLIN
Van der Valk Shipyard has begun construction on Project BERLIN, a 30-metre aluminium custom superyacht designed to maximise interior volume and comfort. The raised pilothouse layout offers the feel of a larger yacht while remaining highly manageable for experienced owners, many of whom are transitioning from serial-production models.
The owners collaborated closely with Van der Valk and Guido de Groot Design to develop a fully bespoke interior and layout tailored for extended seasonal cruising, prioritising comfort and personal style over charter operations.
'We started talking with the owners in January 2025,' says Yoeri Bijker, Commercial Director at Van der Valk Shipyard. 'they are really building this boat for themselves, and not for charter nor for carrying many guests onboard.'
Project BERLIN employs an asymmetric layout, with a slightly narrower crew passage on the port side to allow for extra interior volume across the 7-metre beam. The main salon opens to a forward dining area with expansive drop-down windows that provide both light and ventilation without compromising structural integrity.
'We have done drop-down windows before on previous projects,' offers Valentijn Roos, project engineer at Van der Valk Shipyard, 'but not at this size of window, so that has been quite a challenge for the design'.
The interior combines modern styling with a relaxed, playful ambiance. Loose furniture and custom finishes reflect the owners’ personal tastes, creating a space that prioritises comfort for long-term use.
'It won’t be minimalistic, but quite playful in terms of ambiance, and designed to the owners’ tastes' adds Guido de Groot. 'They’ve really enjoyed developing the interiors of their houses, so it’s going to be a nice project working with them on creating this interior.'
Van der Valk continues to carve a niche in boutique aluminium superyachts under 45 metres, providing owners with highly customisable builds that combine craftsmanship, modern design, and efficient layouts. Project BERLIN exemplifies this approach, offering the space and comfort of a larger yacht while remaining practical for a small family or private cruising.
Construction is underway at Van der Valk’s Waalwijk facilities, with delivery expected in 2026. The yacht demonstrates the yard’s ability to deliver bespoke solutions for owners who value personalisation, comfort, and attention to detail.